| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication: | 1999 |
| Authors: | L. O. Duarte, Garcia C. B. |
| Journal: | Caribbean Journal of Science |
| Volume: | 35 |
| Pagination: | 54-63 |
| Abstract: | The diet of the lane snapper, Lutjanus synagris, was investigated from 128 stomachs collected during four cruises carried out in December 1995, April and August 1996, and February 1997. Fifty-two taxonomic categories were found from the 292 prey items analyzed. The analysis characterizes this species as a generalist, opportunistic carnivore. Brachyuran crustaceans, mainly portunid crabs, were followed in dietary importance by the bony fishes (Teleostei), stomatopods, and shrimps. Crepuscular feeding activity and opportunistic feeding during the day were detected from the data. Ontogenetic changes in the mean biomass and size of the prey were consistent with optimum foraging theory |